Monday, March 2, 2009

I hate to intrude--feel that I've walked rudely into a scene, scattering those already there, sending them rushing for cover.And, many times, catching their hasty exit in flutters and scrambles, I'll drop to sit, quietly without moving, right where I stood, hoping they'll be more forgiving of my carelessness, as a small lump on the ground.And return, as if I were not there.

Frost on Ground

Yesterday I stepped off my usual path, and strode purposefully out across the grassy banks of the pond, toward the oak woods. Drunken on sunshine from the brightest blue overhead, delighted that this day, even though again sharply cold, had given itself for me to explore, perhaps more eager than I should have been to be out drinking it in, I startled a small flash of blue, and then another from the young trees at the woods’ edge.

And, though the air was cold, I found the grass already dried and warm, and knelt there, wrapped in my dark jacket, still, waiting surrounded by their branches.Watching bluebirds.Finding happiness.

We’ve tried for 3 years to attract bluebirds to nesting boxes in our fields, each time finding none. And though our rural area supports them well, we seldom see any on our land. I wasn’t expecting to find them here at the edge of the oak woods, and had gone outdoors that morning with only a short lens, planning to photograph the very delicate ice left on the Goldenrod by chilly spring nights.Perhaps this year, ...bluebirds.

I saw some today, too. In the woods at Lake Isabella, curiously peering into tree cavities.

I should be able to have bluebirds here at our house. But the HOSP make it impossible. I may try again....or not. It's heartbreaking to watch them build and lay eggs, only to be driven off by ugly foreign freeloaders.

I wish you the best of luck getting your bluebirds to move in. They must be checking out the real estate. This in itself is exciting.

We rarely see bluebirds around here. Your post reminds me that we have a box to put out in the side lot where they pass through going to or from who knows where. I get so excited just seeing them in the neighborhood.

I was home in MO in February. There were two bluebird families staking out their home territories. Though we're the ~Bluebird State~ here in CT, I've never seen a bluebird here. And in MO, I saw several pairs. It's just not fair!

We have a box..have had for several years... last year, they nested, persisted in keeping others out, laid eggs, 5, which hatched.... A week later, all dead... I looked for blowfly larva (the internet suggested that was a possibility) saw none.... I don't know who or what did them in...but I was heartbroken. A backyard birder suggested a predator may have pecked the baby skulls... I didn't look for that nor see evidence of such... But I saw a pair just the other day checking the box out for this spring...already another bird had taken residence there, so I trudged out to find a stick nest, which I immediately discarded in hopes that the bluebirds will try, try again..... In reading, I now understand that the boxes need to be monitored very religiously and carefully...probably ought to take some kind of class....

Giggles--yes, HOSP is birder-speak for House Sparrows, the bane of a nestbox-watcher.And, although we've never had bluebirds choose us, we always can count on Tree swallows (which I adore) or House Wrens or chickadees. And, those I leave--better to have something, than nothing, in my mind.

The House Wren fills our box with sticks, then builds cup on top--maybe you have a sweet little wren?

Kaholly--I have thought of being more proactive in keeping bluebirds close to us, but, we're heavily wooded around the house, feeders nestled bewenn trees, and not really where I would expect a Bluebird to come looking for dinner. Our fields would work well, but it's quite a hike to get back there every morning.I may seek another spot in the yard to set up a feeding station--more open, for Orioles, thrushes, bluebirds,...all I would LOVE!!

It's true! The account of my time spent with Little Pond is now published for public consumption...

Winning image for the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp competition!

The 2012 OWLStamp will be available for sale March 1, 2012 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website and nature organizations across the state. Proceeds of the OWLStamp benefit wildlife conservation, research & education projects within the state of Ohio! I'm thrilled to have provided the winning image for such a wonderful program!

The Adventures of Red Canoe

Come along in Red Canoe as she explores the quiet backwater of Ohio's State Parks and the scenic streams and rivers of the Midwest. Discover the beauty hidden beyond the water's edge, quietly waiting, past access points, often only inches deep!

I'm out there!

Grabbing every minute I can find to be outside--walking in it, sleeping in it ... breathing it in. The natural world has so much beauty to uncover.
It is my hope that by capturing my experiences with nature and by sharing the richness it adds to an ordinary life, others may discover the greatest gift waiting just outside their door.

Have you seen...

A regularly appearing feature, "Have you seen..." takes a closer, more patient look at things usually not seen in a flattering light.Take a look!

The Sweetness of Spring

Each spring, as winter lessens its grip and days warm with the first fragrant breezes of a new season, we collect sap from our Sugar Maples and produce just enough syrup for ourselves for the coming year. The progress of this year's backyard endeavor is illustrated here.

A Bird's Life

Summer 2008, the tiny jewel of the avian world, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, nested just feet from my front door. Pictures of her nest and the changing lives within are collected in thisjournal.From life the size of a pea....